Our new Research Studio is finally out! Explore your ancient ancestry with thousands of ancient people and hundreds of populations in one place, using dozens of powerful statistical tools. It doesn't get any better than this! youtu.be/BEztyUb5W1I

A bronze mirror from the Dian kingdom around Lake Dian in Yunnan, southwest China, cast somewhere between the 3rd and 1st centuries BC. The seven-rayed star at the centre is a Han Chinese design. The ring of linked monkeys around the rim is not. Somebody took an imported form and made it local.

Here is what people say about the ancient DNA test of The Mighty Xiongnu Empire, available here: ancientdnahub.com/the-mighty…

We know they constructed boats that crossed seas, built great cities, and invented the alphabet, but do we really know who the #Canaanites were? Ancient DNA has the answers. youtu.be/pNg3Z9HP_b8

Our new study maps the urban RNA virome across 2,922 samples, 102 cities and 31 countries. We identified 54,945 RNA viruses, with 77% previously unobserved, and two candidate phyla. Proud to share this work with the @MetaSUB team, @mason_lab and many more! nature.com/articles/s41467-0…

Diversity and distinctive characteristics of the global RNA virome in urban and peri-urban environments nature.com/articles/s41467-0…

All blue-eyed people on Earth descend from a single common ancestor. One person had a mutation 6,000–10,000 years ago that switched off melanin production in the iris, creating blue eyes for the first time. That trait spread because it was considered attractive. Green eyes are even rarer, while brown was the original human eye color. A 2008 University of Copenhagen study confirmed that nearly all blue-eyed people share the exact same mutation in the HERC2 gene — strong evidence of a single founder. One tiny genetic change in one individual thousands of years ago created a visible trait now carried by hundreds of millions of people today.

Skeleton of a 5 year old from Bronze Age Uzbekistan provides evidence of the earliest known surgery in central Asia. #archaeology livescience.com/archaeology/…

Like from a somehow even more haunted version of House of Leaves, forgotten spiral staircase found during renovations leads to the discovery of a late medieval burial vault. #archaeology popularmechanics.com/science…

430,000 year old stick may be human's oldest tool. #archaeology zmescience.com/science/archa…

Study of the DNA of ancient peoples of northwestern Europe show how migrant populations integrated with locals. sciencedaily.com/releases/20…

PhD student at Tulane University finds ancient Mayan city on page 16 of a Google search. The city is believed to have been home to between 30,000-50,000 people and challenges assumptions about the tropics. #archaeology upworthy.com/pn-archaeology-…

At a second-hand store.... Wondering why no one wants those kits anymore.... I guess people are finally tired of the same old results.

✨🏰 Ancient Origins: Medieval Hungary's Early Avars 🏰✨ The heart of Central Europe witnessed a remarkable shift with the arrival of the Early Avars in the 6th century, a time characterized by exhilarating migrations and profound transformations. Emerging from the steppes of Central Asia, these nomadic horsemen orchestrated a cultural and genetic synthesis that would leave an indelible mark on the landscape and its people. As the Avars settled into the Carpathian Basin, they intertwined with the local population, creating a dynamic society that catalyzed changes in traditions, languages, and genetic makeup. Genetic studies have illuminated this rich narrative, revealing the presence of diverse maternal haplogroups such as H and U, which are prevalent among modern Hungarians, reflecting ancient lineages that survived the tumult of invasions and migrations spanning millennia. On the paternal side, haplogroup R1a-Z645 has been identified among Avar descendants, embodying the genetic legacy of this formidable warrior culture. These haplogroups tell the story of interactions between the Avars, Slavic tribes, and earlier populations, painting a vivid picture of coexistence, conflict, and heritage. Archaeological evidence found at burial sites further enriches our understanding of the Early Avars. Elegantly crafted jewelry, horse harnesses, and weapons suggest a society skilled in craftsmanship and warfare. Furthermore, the combination of Scythian and local burial customs provides invaluable insights into their beliefs and social structures. The Avars established a powerful khanate that dominated the region for more than two centuries, influencing trade routes, military strategies, and cultural practices that would resonate through history. As they expanded their reach across Europe, the Avars not only spread their genetic material but also intertwined their culture with that of the Gepids, Slavs, and Franks. This resulted in a powerful fusion that laid the groundwork for the medieval Hungarian kingdom. Over generations, the genetic legacies of these diverse influences became woven into the fabric of Hungarian identity. What secrets about the migrations of our ancestors remain hidden within the strands of our DNA? Do you wish to explore your Hungarian Early Avar origins? Now you can uncover your ancestry connected to this ancient culture, explore where they lived and how they moved, using our Ancient DNA Hub exclusive test: ancientdnahub.com/medieval-h… *** RETWEET and UPLOAD your DNA file today and get a FREE Test ***

🧬🌍 Medieval Ashkenazic Roots: German Erfurt 🗺️🧬 In the heart of Germany lies Erfurt, a city that bore witness to a remarkable cultural and genetic convergence during the medieval period. Here, thriving Ashkenazic communities emerged, shaped by historical migrations and trade routes that connected Jewish populations across Europe and beyond. These communities were part of a broader transformation following the Crusades, which spurred significant movements of people seeking refuge, opportunity, and new lives. The genetic legacy of this era is insightful. Mitochondrial haplogroups prevalent among those who settled in Erfurt include H and J, which are associated with expanded networks across Europe, linking the Jews of Ashkenaz with broader European populations. Notably, paternal lineages reveal haplogroup R1b-DF27, commonly found amongst Western Europeans, indicating intermingling and shared roots that transcended ethnic and cultural boundaries. The Ashkenazi Jews of this period were not merely isolated communities; they were active participants in the cultural and economic fabric of medieval Europe. Their skills in trade and finance contributed to the urbanization of cities like Erfurt. Flourishing networks facilitated the movement of ideas, goods, and genes, creating a nuanced demographic landscape marked by diversity and resilience. By the 14th century, as persecution rose and migrations continued, the Jewish presence in Erfurt reflected a rich melange of religious, cultural, and genetic influences. The genes of this ancient population can still be traced today, offering a glimpse into the lives lived in this vibrant center. Migrations shaped identities as much as identities shaped enduring connections, influencing patterns that resonate even in contemporary times. Are your own roots entwined with the medieval Ashkenazic communities of Erfurt? How far back can modern DNA testing truly take us when examining the depths of our ancestral origins? Do you wish to explore your medieval Ashkenazic origins linked to Germany's Erfurt? Now you can uncover your ancestry connected to this ancient culture, explore where they lived and how they moved, using our Ancient DNA Hub exclusive test: ancientdnahub.com/medieval-a… *** RETWEET and UPLOAD your DNA file today and get a FREE Test ***